Drug Addiction Treatment
Behavioral and pharmacological treatments are currently used to treat heroin addiction but these approaches can only help to restore a certain degree of normalcy to the brain after the brain has been rewired from drug use. Now, some studies are suggesting the drug ketamine could play a role in helping break the cycle of addiction. Since ketamine acts on the brain and central nervous system, it can help heroin addicts and sufferers of other types of addictions by improving the brain cell’s ability to form new connections and break old neural pathways.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy has been getting attention in recent years because of its antidepressant effects. Unlike many prescription antidepressants, ketamine induces an antidepressant effect very quickly and improves the mood. As a result, Researchers are finding that ketamine could help with problematic alcohol and drug use. Studies show that ketamine can reduce cravings of certain drugs and has been effective at prolonging abstinence from drugs including heroin and alcohol. It can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms that take them back into the cycle of addiction.
How Ketamine Plays a Role in Heroin Addiction Treatment
Ketamine works on the central nervous system by creating a calming effect and also affects the brain. It works as an antagonist of the n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, the same receptor responsible for controlling memory and neuroplasticity. This is why experts believe ketamine can play such a powerful role in drug addiction treatment. By effectively disrupting neural networks, ketamine can help rebuild a healthy brain so that reaching for the next drug fix isn’t even an option. Researchers are saying that ketamine can enhance neuroplasticity and also enhance psychological therapy, an even bigger benefit for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
When administered intravenously as part of a psychotherapy program, ketamine could help heroin-addicted patients reduce their cravings for the drug and proceed with behavioral and other forms of therapy.
Heroin addicts have limited options for treatment and not all treatment programs work long-term. Now, those seeking alternative options may be able to turn to ketamine therapy. At the very least, Ketamine Infusion Therapy could help reduce cravings for heroin which could make it easier for the addict to break free from addiction and its harmful effects over time.
For more information about Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatments for depression, bipolar, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, pain syndromes and other conditions contact us at Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles in Southern California (Orange County) by clicking here or calling 310-270-0625.
